Last time I saw Those Damn
Crows was at the Cathouse in Glasgow just before covid hit in February
2020. They're second album "Point of No Return" was just out
and it felt they were on the brink of something special. But unluckily
for them it just came at the wrong time and the tour cycle for that album was
over all too quickly. Fast forward 3 years and they now have another
album under their belt in the shape of "Inhale/Exhale". Which was
only out the Friday before this gig. The band were clearly on high after
learning their mid-week chart position was No 3. Something which would be
cemented later in the week.
Tonight’s line-up saw Craig G, Brain, Campbell and myself hit the Garage. And with The Garage turning into a nightclub later meant the gig starts slightly earlier and finishes about 10pm. We arrived about 6.50pm and there was no queues to get in. Although when we got inside it was clear that most people were already inside the venue. The first band on tonight were Valhalla Awaits, like all the bands tonight they hailed from Wales. This is something which the Crows did last time too, having their support bands from Wales. Which I have to give absolute kudos too as that truly is supporting your local music scene and giving bands more promotion.
I really liked Valhalla Awaits. Probably the heaviest band of the night. Their hard rock, deep grooves and lots of twists and turns in their songs made for interesting and enjoyable listening. It got to the point where it felt unfair on the second band as Valhalla set the bar high. As I'm writing this review, I actually have had to look up the name of the second band which was James & the Cold Gun. And I think that really tells its own story. Don't get me wrong they were a decent band. Just not as memorable as Valhalla. They did remind me of The Subways a bit and that's not just because they have a tall, thin singer with shades and a female bassist that looks the spitting image of the women in The Subways. But also, their straight up rock songs too.
Those Damn Crows themselves were on superb form and played a varied set diving into all 3 of their albums. Most coming from their new album, but a fair chunk from "Point of no return" too. The singer Shane did greet the crowd as Swansea at one point which got a good laugh before correcting himself and making a joke out of it himself like the utter pro of a frontman he has become. I think what most people will remember from this gig is when Shane climbed up on the balcony still singing. While the security guard was holding him making sure he didn't go further along it before he climbed safety over it. Then he went round to the back of the venue, down the stairs and through the crowd back to the stage, doing this while still singing.
I know doing this fits the rock and roll image but personally I don't think he needs to do this. The songs do all the heavy lifting and for a lot of people tonight they'll be coming back to see them regardless. They decided on a different version of "Blink of an eye" again which they did at the Cathouse with Shane on the piano. This time it felt like they extended it slightly. I also really enjoyed "Send the Reaper" which is one of my favourite Those Damn crow songs. But the new album really does have plenty of songs which are up to the standard of those on "Point of no return".
They finished on "This time I'm ready" and "See you again". Interesting choices as they are not the all-out rockers we come to expect from the Crows. More power ballads. I'm wondering if this is a new direction they are heading in. We were a bit surprised that "Be you" wasn't played as that is one of their more popular songs but it just shows you the catalogue they are starting to build.
Overall, a great night and Those Damn Crows really are building more and more of a following. Someone I was speaking to was surprised they weren't playing the Barrowlands which is a venue twice as big as the Garage. Although this gig was sold out, it only just sold out in the week leading up to the gig. So, I personally don't think they are there yet. But if they keep doing what they are doing hopefully word will spread and they'll be playing there soon.
